Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Identifying the components of asthma health status in children with mild to moderate asthma

Elizabeth W Holt1, Earl Francis Cook, Ronina A Covar

  • 1Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. eholt@tulane.edu

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|May 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Asthma health status comprises distinct components, not overlapping ones. Factor analysis in children revealed a consistent 5-factor structure, including inflammatory markers, symptoms, exacerbations, lung function, and bronchodilator response, aiding asthma assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Asthma health status measurements show weak correlations, indicating distinct disease components.
  • Understanding these components is crucial for accurate asthma assessment and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify heterogeneous components of asthma health status in children aged 5-12 using factor analysis.
  • To explore relationships between asthma morbidity measures across different time points and treatment groups.

Main Methods:

  • Factor analysis applied to data from a large clinical trial of 1041 children with mild to moderate asthma.
  • Included measures of lung function, symptoms, healthcare utilization, IgE, eosinophils, airway hyperresponsiveness, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and sputum markers.
  • Analyses conducted across 7 study windows, comparing baseline and 48-month data.

Main Results:

  • Factor analysis consistently identified 5 factors explaining 50-60% of common variance.
  • These factors represent: inflammatory markers, symptoms/medication use, asthma exacerbations, lung function (FEV1/FVC), and bronchodilator response.
  • Fractional exhaled nitric oxide correlated with the inflammatory marker factor; sputum markers suggested a sixth factor.

Conclusions:

  • A consistent 5-factor structure for asthma health status was identified across time and treatment arms.
  • Each identified factor provides independent information for assessing childhood asthma.
  • This multidimensional approach enhances the understanding of asthma heterogeneity.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Related Concept Videos

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Asthma-IV: Nursing Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Nursing Management

The nursing management of asthma is a comprehensive approach that relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. It involves thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, strategic planning, effective implementation, and diligent evaluation. By meticulously following this step-by-step process, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing the best possible care and treatment for patients with asthma, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
First, in...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...